Boost Gauge Buyer's Guide

        A boost gauge (also known as a turbo gauge) is one of the most popular and vital pressure instruments car enthusiasts choose for their vehicle. For vehicles that feature a turbo or supercharger (factory or aftermarket), it is vital to monitor the crucial levels of your engine’s vacuum and compression levels to avoid possible serious damage to your car. The range of a typical boost meter is -30 inches of mercury (in. Hg) to 30 PSI (pound per square inch) of boost. Many enthusiasts will usually mount the gauge on their driver’s side pillar or dashboard using one of many available universal or car specific gauge pods. With so many designs and styles out there, it can be difficult to determine which model will be applicable to your specific needs.

         Boost gauges come in a variety of styles and configurations including both PSI and BAR models as well as 52mm and 60mm variations. More budget minded consumers can appreciate models that feature a quality design and a limited offering of features should they not require more advanced abilities. However for the more serious car buff, you may want a turbo meter that is not only built with exceptional quality in mind but also boasts a set of advanced features including high & low warnings, peak recall functions and a more smooth operation of the gauge needle from a stepper motor.

         Installing a boost gauge is a rather simple and straight forward process. Depending on whether you have an electronic or mechanical meter will determine any additional steps you might have to endure to ensure a proper fitting. Mechanical turbo gauges require splitting a vacuum line, inserting the T-Fitting and then running the vacuum hose directly to the back of your gauge. Electronic gauges require you to run the vacuum line to the electronic sender and then run the sender wire to the gauge itself. This method will ensure the vacuum line does not get pinched from the firewall, as well as preventing any loss of vacuum pressure from having the line run all the way to the back of the gauge unit. Connecting power to gauge requires it to be connected to a 12 volt source.

         One popular accessory many choose to have with their boost gauge is a manual or electronic boost controller. A boost controller will allow you to control you boost level which comes from your intake manifold. While using your boost gauge to monitor and determine your desired boost level, you can then set the desired boost level with your controller. However, increasing boost levels must be done properly and in accordance with the limits of your engine. Failure to do this properly could result in serious damage to your engine.

         GlowShift offers a variety of uniquely designed boost meters offered at competitive prices with several models to choose from with each offering their own set of abilities. Our seven color lineup of turbo gauges feature ground breaking seven color illumination technology offered in several styles including a Black, White, and Tinted face. For those seeking a more advanced model with high performance features, our Elite Ten Color lineup offers ten color illumination technology along with high & low warnings, peak recall function and a stepper motor.